Bengaluru, January 8: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday hinted that a merger between the BJP and JD(S) could happen soon, stating that such a move would end the prevailing political confusion in the state.
“Looking at former chief minister Kumaraswamy’s approach, it appears that the JD(S) may soon merge with the BJP. If that happens, it will actually be good for us. We can fight the BJP directly. The confusion of three parties for the fight but only two for calculations will come to an end,” Shivakumar said.
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He was speaking at the KPCC office after welcoming several JD(S) leaders into the Indian National Congress, including former Chamarajapet Assembly constituency JD(S) corporator Govindaraj, his wife Gouramma, Chandrashekhar, former JD(S) president David, and hundreds of party workers.
Shivakumar said Govindaraj, a long-time family acquaintance, had earlier organised the JD(S) in the constituency and even contested elections. “However, he could no longer accept the understanding between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular), and has therefore joined the Congress,” he said.
“Our party stands for secular ideology. Under the leadership of Zameer Ahmed Khan, they have chosen to identify with the Congress. The sooner BJP and JD(S) merge, the better it is for us. Let them take a clear decision instead of playing on the fence,” Shivakumar remarked, adding that even BJP and JD(S) leaders privately admit they are unsure about their political future.
Referring to the upcoming Bengaluru civic elections, Shivakumar said there was huge enthusiasm within the Congress.
“In Bengaluru West, we have received 247 applications; Bengaluru North 199; Bengaluru South 129; Bengaluru Central 106; and Bengaluru East 78. A total of 779 ticket aspirants have already submitted applications,” he said.
He urged aspirants not to wait until the last date. “If applications are submitted by January 10, we can send our teams to assess who has worked at the ward level, who is loyal to the party, and who deserves a ticket,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister claimed that even BJP leaders were acknowledging the work done by the Congress government in Bengaluru. “Drinking water issues have been addressed, roads are being built, and khata conversions and property documentation are being streamlined. Some BJP leaders themselves tell us they see no future,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Shivakumar challenged BJP and JD(S) leaders to avoid “friendly fights.”
“Please don’t confuse your workers with friendly contests. If you want to fight, fight openly—either merge or contest together. We are ready for a direct political battle,” he said.
He also said the government has already submitted an affidavit in court regarding the conduct of civic elections and that 2026 has been declared an election year for local bodies. “The Chief Minister has discussed the matter with the Rural Development Minister and decided to clear all legal hurdles. Party workers must be election-ready,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Shivakumar cautioned defectors against political flip-flops. “JD(S) has been reduced to a personal property of a few individuals. It has no clear ideology. Those who have joined us must work unitedly, serve the people and strengthen the Congress,” he said.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬಿಜೆಪಿ–ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ವಿಲೀನ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಡಿಸಿಎಂ ಡಿ.ಕೆ. ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಸೂಚನೆ
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